Voter Eligibility
You are qualified to vote if:
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You are a citizen of the United States. |
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You are at least 18 years old on or before the day of the general election. |
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If you will be 18 on or before Nov. 2, you may vote in the primary election for candidates only, but not on issues. |
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You will be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election. |
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You register to vote at least 30 days before the election. |
How is residence determined?
By law your residence is the place to which, whenever you are absent, you have the intent to return. If you continuously reside outside of Ohio for a period of four years or more, you are not a resident of this state for voter registration purposes, except if you are absent from Ohio because of federal government employment, including military service. Leaving for temporary purposes, such as school attendance, does not result in a change of residence for voting purposes, unless you register in the area where you are currently residing.
Can a student vote from his/her school address?
Yes, if the student regards that place as his/her residence and registers to vote. Otherwise, the student must vote in his/her home community if registered.
Registration
Does everyone have to be registered?
Yes, except for members of the armed forces serving on active duty. Their spouses and dependents are also exempt if they left Ohio to be near the service member.
Where can I register?
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At any county board of elections or the Secretary of State's office. |
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At branch registration offices or locations established by a board of elections. |
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At any public high school or vocational school. |
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At the office of any Bureau of Motor Vehicles. |
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At offices of designated agencies which provide public assistance or disability programs. |
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Public libraries. |
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County treasurer's office. |
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By mail. |
You may request a registration form from a board of elections or the Secretary of State's office by mail, telephone, in person or by having another person obtain it for you. After completing the form, return it to the board of elections or Secretary of State's office by mail.
Mailed registration forms sent to a county board of elections or the Secretary of State's office must be postmarked 30 days before an election to be valid for the election.
Registration forms not mailed in must be received by a board of elections, the Secretary of State's office, office of any Bureau of Motor Vehicles or designated agencies 30 days before an election to be valid for that election.
Do I declare my party when I register?
No. Under Ohio law, your party affiliation is determined by the ballot you vote in a primary election.
What if I change my address or name?
If you are now registered and move within the state or same county or change your name, you must report the change to the board of elections. You may report the change:
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By mail on a registration form. |
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At the board of elections, a branch office established by the board or at the office of the Secretary of State. |
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At the Office of any Bureau of Motor Vehicles. |
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At designated Agencies (see above). |
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By completing a notice of change in voting status and filing it with the court when you apply for a marriage license or when your name is changed by court order. |
Exceptions: If you change your name, and/or move from one precinct to another in your county, you may report the change and vote by appearing at the board of elections during the absentee voting period; or on election day you may go to the polling place in the precinct in which you reside, the board of elections or site designated by the board.
If you move from one county to another in the state, you may report the change and vote at the board of elections in the county in which you now reside during the absentee voting period, or on election day at the board of elections or site designated by the board.
Voting Procedures
Where do I vote?
You cast your ballot at the polling place designated to serve the precinct in which you reside. If you are in doubt as to the location of this polling place, check with your county board of elections.
How do I vote?
Instructions on how to cast your ballot will be given by the election officials at your precinct.
May a voter receive assistance in voting?
Persons with a physical or mental disability or who are unable to read or write may be assisted by anyone of their own choice, except an employer or his/her agent, a union officer or a candidate whose name appears on the ballot. The voter may be assisted by two pollworkers of opposing parties. No one who assists a voter may disclose any information about how that person voted.
How do I establish which party's ballot I am entitled to vote?
If you are a new voter, you may vote the primary ballot of any political party. If you voted the primary ballot of a political party in 1994 or 1995 and this year want to vote the ballot of another party, then you change your affiliation by signing a statement to that effect when you vote.
May I vote on ballot issues in a primary without declaring my politics?
Yes. You may vote on issues without voting for the candidates of a political party by requesting a questions-and-issues ballot.
TDD assistance: The Secretary of State's office maintains a phone line to provide information on registration and voting for deaf citizens. The number is TDD (614) 466-0562.